Grandville graduate brings family's jewelry legacy to new store, What a Gem, in Grand Haven

Grandville graduate Carrie Anne Engels has opened the store What A Gem with her dad, Dennis Engels, at 134 Washington Ave. in Grand Haven.Brian Forde photo

A Grandville graduate is carrying on her family's jewelry legacy with a new business in downtown Grand Haven.

Carrie Anne Engels has opened the store What A Gem with her dad, Dennis Engels, at 134 Washington Ave. The elder Engels owns Richard Engels Jewelers in downtown Grandville, which was opened in the 1930s by his father.

Carrie Anne said after graduating from Grandville High School and then Hope College she wanted to carry on her family's tradition.

“I have worked at my dad’s jewelry store, Richard Engels Jewelers, ever since I can remember,” Carrie Anne said. “I have always wanted to own my own business and the time was right to start one up.”

She said What a Gem is a jewelry boutique with fun and fashionable jewelry from lines such as Pandora, Erin Gallagher, Elle, and Lafonn along with a large assortment of estate jewelry.
The boutique receives new jewelry almost every day, so the selection is always changing, she said.

“I have a lot of jewelry that can be customized to please that special somebody you are shopping for this Christmas season,” Carrie Anne added.

And the jewelry is affordable, she said, with average prices ranging from $10 to $150.

Hours for What a Gem are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information on the new jewelry boutique, visit whatagemjewelry.com or call 425-5063.